The question is an old example of trapping people with a Yes/No question which implies guilt either way. (Hence the silly response.)

I saw a few similar questions these last few days from my senator. It began with complaints about some new law our governor signed into law which allows Florida residents — without children, no less — to object to our state’s school curriculum. It explained that the only reason these outsiders could possibly object would be if they were anti-science.

Then it asked if I “support Gov. Rick Scott's anti-science agenda.” (Do you still beat your wife?) It only allowed two possible answers: yes or no. The only acceptable answer is obviously “no” because what kind of modern human is against science?

But is the question really that simple? It is interesting that he chose the word “resident” rather than “citizen.” A resident just resides and may even be an illegal alien, a sleeper terrorist trying to destroy America by dumbing down Florida, or — worst of all — a Yankee!

I hope that sounds foolishly paranoid because it certainly struck me that way.

The word “citizen,” on the other hand, includes the idea we have certain rights GUARANTEED to all of us: the right to freedom of speech, for example, or the right to petition the government for a redress of grievances. Surely our senator recognizes our First Amendment guarantees. We don’t get it from our state, our governor or even the United States Senate. What’s more they aren’t allowed to take it away — other maybe than from “residents?”

No, not really. Even residents have rights. They have the right to speak even if what they say is utter nonsense. They have the right to make requests even if their requests are completely foolish.

We don’t have to agree with what they say, don’t even have to listen once they have shown they are misinformed or nutty. We don’t have to do whatever they ask. Other people are saying other things, requesting other things.

We can live with disagreements and a steady stream of silly or impossible requests. It’s a basic part of America. It would be harder to live with a nation where anybody held the power to tell us what we were not allowed to say or ask. What is more, that is not going to change. It is too deeply rooted in being Americans.

So why imply Governor Scott is dangerous for allowing residents without children in school to voice their opinions? Probably because Governor Scott seems to want Senator Nelson’s job whereas Senator Nelson wants to keep it. He made that clear when he completed his Florida Science Bill Survey with a request for money for his reelection campaign. He didn’t really want to know as much as he wanted to undercut any daring to oppose him and to build up his war chest.

To the best of my knowledge, Senator Nelson has served honorably in the past. I hope he doesn’t throw it all away by going all Trump on me with wild accusations.